As someone who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, I had been wanting to visit Hacienda Santa Ana…read moreand experience the Ron del Barrilito tour for a long time. I've enjoyed many tasting experiences during my travels--including coffee, wine, tequila, aguardiente, and other local spirits--so it only felt right to finally experience one of Puerto Rico's most iconic rums.
The full tour with the rum tasting is about $80 per person, which I initially thought was expensive. After taking it, I can honestly say it was worth it. The tour is informative and well organized, and you learn about the history of Ron del Barrilito, the family behind it, the beautiful historic hacienda, and the rum-making process. The facilities are gorgeous, well maintained, and the rum itself is clearly a high-quality product.
The reason I'm giving four instead of five stars is the customer service. Before the tour, I ordered a small appetizer because I was about to do a rum tasting on an empty stomach. As a solo traveler, I expected to feel welcomed, but unfortunately, I didn't. The bartender, Jesús, came across as dismissive and unfriendly. While I appreciated that he wanted to let me know the appetizer was a generous portion, the way he communicated it made me feel like serving me was an inconvenience rather than a pleasure.
After the tour, I had the opportunity to interact with another bartender, Yamil, and the experience was completely different. He was warm, friendly, engaging, and genuinely made me feel welcome. He embodied the kind of hospitality I expected from such a prestigious brand.
I also felt that the employee at the admission counter could have been more welcoming. When you're paying for a premium experience, the customer service should match the quality of the product from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.
Overall, I still recommend the tour. It's a wonderful way to learn about one of Puerto Rico's oldest and most respected rum brands, and the setting is absolutely beautiful. With more consistent, hospitality-focused customer service, this experience would easily deserve five stars.